The Calgary Flames winger is still trying to come to grips with the death of his father early last week.

But Hudler was back with his Flames family Thursday, skating at the Saddledome for the first time since his dad died at the age of 50 and was gearing up for the season, with the hopes of playing in Saturday’s clash with the Edmonton Oilers.

“It’s been tough,” Hudler said with a brave face. “But I’m happy I’m back and being around the guys and starting Saturday.

“I’m excited.”

Hudler buried his father, Jiri. Sr., last Friday in Czech Republic. An only child, he had to deal with the legalities before returning to Calgary, which he did Wednesday evening.

The next step will be to play games, and hopefully it can help the healing process.

“I cannot sit on my ass for the rest of the season, thinking about bad things,” said Hudler, one of the club’s prized free-agent acquisitions. “You’ve got to get back and get your mind in what I love the most. That’s hockey.”

The Flames could be looking at a double debut against the Oilers.

Centre Roman Cervenka received clearance from a specialist in Phoenix, Ariz., and now that his blood clot issues appear a thing of the past, is looking to play his first NHL game.

“He’s excited. This is his dream,” Hudler said of his fellow Czech countryman. “I told him don’t be over-excited, just play your game.”

Flames Hudler returns after death of his father

The Calgary Flames winger is still trying to come to grips with the death of his father early last week.

But Hudler was back with his Flames family Thursday, skating at the Saddledome for the first time since his dad died at the age of 50 and was gearing up for the season, with the hopes of playing in Saturday’s clash with the Edmonton Oilers.

“It’s been tough,” Hudler said with a brave face. “But I’m happy I’m back and being around the guys and starting Saturday.

“I’m excited.”

Hudler buried his father, Jiri. Sr., last Friday in Czech Republic. An only child, he had to deal with the legalities before returning to Calgary, which he did Wednesday evening.

The next step will be to play games, and hopefully it can help the healing process.